Things to do this weekend: dog yoga and seaside treasures

Find the perfect vintage sundress in Whitby, sip an expertly crafted cocktail after wandering around Birmingham’s city centre, or maybe snooze under the stars on the Isle of Wight for a camping treat with the family suggests Danielle Jones.

1) Take in some culture at the Buxton Festival and Fringe Derbyshire (until 24th July)

Buxton Opera House

Expand your cultural horizons this weekend with a line-up of opera, book events , comedy and music at the Buxton Festival and Buxton Fringe. Whether you’re an aficionado or a complete novice, this festival is packed with names you’ll know and those you are yet to discover. Highlights this weekend include Alexei Sayle, Beethoven’s Leonore and Fringe events across the town. Events are priced individually, see websites for details.

Nothing beats sleeping under the stars whilst surrounded by beautiful countryside and at the Big Camp on the Isle of Wight, you can do just that. Enjoy a burger at the evening’s BBQ and then take a peek through a telescope, with the help of experts, to see the glory of the night sky. Take the kids for a family camping experience to remember for years to come.

3) Sail into Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol (15th-17th July)

Bristol Harbour Festival

With an eclectic mix of music, performance and nautical treats, the annual Bristol Harbour Festival will have you captivated with the rich culture of the city for free. Headliners include Echo & The Bunnymen, or check out Big Crazy Flyboarding where riders will show off their superhuman skills surfing the air or hurtling headlong into the water. Plus there is a vast range of activities for kids, covering all ages, even down the youngest of tots.

4) Samba down to Brazilica, Liverpool (15th-17th)

Brazilica Dancers in the Carnival

If you couldn’t quite make it to Rio for this year’s Olympics, then you can still experience the colour and energy Brazil is famous for, right here in Merseyside. With Carnival Day, full of costumes and dancing, as well the Brazilica Film Festival running alongside, you can take in the vibe and party all weekend.

Bring your appetite with you as you check out over 150 stalls of local producers from around the East Anglian area. Learn new tips and tricks from the range of demonstrations across two days and meet celebrity chefs, Tom Kerridge and James Martin. Entry starts at £8.

6) Laugh out loud at The Great Yorkshire Fringe Festival, York (15th July – 1st August)

Great Yorkshire Fringe

With a calendar rammed with comedy, music and theatre, there are plenty of reasons to check out the Fringe this year. Check out Baby Loves Disco for a bit of baby friendly daytime clubbing or get be intrigued by John Pendal aka International Man of Leather as he discusses the definition of “kinky”. Tickets are priced by event, see the Fringe website for details.

Embrace a timeless British tradition of visiting the seaside whilst also searching for that vintage fashion gem. For just £2 entry, you can browse a variety of stalls selling retro treasures from the roaring 1920s to the brash 1980s, whilst simultaneously enjoying views of the beach. Ice cream is optional but encouraged.

Raising money for Combat Stress, this concert will have you on the edge of your picnic blanket with its spectacular showcase. Classical music complete with Spitfire displays, cannon fire plus a firework finale. Plus, you’ll be enjoying it all in the historic birthplace of Winston Churchill. Tickets are £37, grab a picnic basket and enjoy.

9) Get dancing at the GemArts Masala Festival, Gateshead (11th-17th)

The Gemarts Masala Festival

Learn about the rich culture in Southern Asia with this week-long celebration of music, film, poetry, street food and exhibitions. There are events across the week for all tastes and types. Feeling bendy? Then check out the yoga workshops. Rover feeling left out? Have no fear, as Doga (Dog Yoga!) is on the schedule too.

Whether you are partial to a Long Island Ice Tea, or a Tom Collins is more your bag, this celebration of mixology will introduce you to some of the coolest bars in Brum. Check out the Bacardi Cocktail Time Machine to sample four historic eras of cocktails or kick back on Sunday for Boozy Brunch and learn how to make breakfast cocktails at the Botanist. Wristbands cost £6 and will get you into an array of events, however some are ticketed so check the website for availability.